Festivals & Events

The Okanagan Valley is, of course, famous for its wineries and two popular festivals draw thousands to sip and sup. But there’s so much more on tap, including the annual Fest of Ale, featuring locally made craft beer and cider, car shows, jazz festivals, Dragon Boat races, even an Elvis Festival, featuring dozens of tribute artists, thank you very much.

Spring Festival — May 1 -12

Summer Festival — August 10

Fall Festival – End of September to Early October

Winter Festival — January 11 – 20 (Sun Peaks Resort, Kamloops)

April 12 – 13

The 23rd annual festival draws 65 craft brewers and more than 5,000 beer-lovers to one of the largest and longest running festivals in the Pacific Northwest. Sample 175 craft beers, as well as cask ales and craft ciders, accompanied by live entertainment and delicious dishes served up by local restaurateurs

May 16 – 20

This year marks a decade that prominent naturalists, painters, biologists, ecologists, geologists, cultural leaders and photographers have led guided tours over wetland, grassland and alpine meadow to teach about the diversity of the Okanagan Similkameen.

June 27 – 30

Get all shook up as dozens of tribute artists descend on outdoor stages around Okanagan Lake to celebrate the life and music of the king of rock and roll while competing for the crown of best impersonator, thank you very much.

June 21 – 23

Motor down to the Magic Mile of Lakeshore Drive for this premier rod, antique and classic car show. The weekend kicks off with a wine tour, followed by a parade of show cars, outdoor concerts, vendors, food and a beverage garden.

June 28 – July 1

The 23rd annual festival draws 65 craft brewers and more than 5,000 beer-lovers to one of the largest and longest running festivals in the Pacific Northwest. Sample 175 craft beers, as well as cask ales and craft ciders, accompanied by live entertainment and delicious dishes served up by local restaurateurs

July 25 – 28

Since its fuzzy inception in 1947 to celebrate the peach harvest in Penticton, the festival has grown to include a parade, bin races, slo-pitch tournament, square dances, film festival and a sandcastle competition. Oh, and some peaches.

September 6 – 8

A dozen world-class bands perform at five venues on four dance floors around the city to a cool crowd (70 percent from out of town) of about 3,000. In addition to the smooth tunes, money is raised for school music programs.

Year round

Sporting events

July 14

The cycle of fun continues as the 8th annual epic ride through Okanagan wine country attracts participants who either free-wheel through the day on the 55-km challenge, or go the distance through 160 km of rigorous track.

July 21

This year marks the 36th edition, making it the province’s oldest continuously held triathlon. The event features sprint and standard tri-distance races, as well as the first edition of the aqua/bike competition.

August 3 – 5

This grueling, three-day, 520-km ultra-endurance event starts with a 10-km swim, followed by a 150-km bike ride, followed by another 275-km bike ride, and ending with an 84-km run. But you have a good excuse for sticking to the stands: it’s sold out.

August 21 – 25

This rousing weekend of short-course racing includes swim, bike and run competitions with the top four male and female winners going on to qualify for the championship series, while spectators enjoy musical performances and a beverage garden.

Okangan Super Sprints June 14 – 15 Dragon Boat Festival Sept 7 – 8

Over 2,500 racers push off from the sandy shores of 11-km long Skaha Lake to compete for two qualifying heats before the Sunday afternoon finals. Spectators watch from a large grassy area while enjoying great food, a beverage garden, and a variety of vendors.